The Wellington Bicentenary Committee wants to make celebrations as inclusive as possible and fun for everyone “whether you’re 90 or nine years old”, Michael Kneipp says.
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The countdown to the town’s 200th anniversary began on Friday with the launch of festivities.
Mr Kneipp, Western Plains Regional Council administrator and Wellington Bicentenary Committee chairman, said they wanted celebrations to have wide appeal.
“The bicentenary committee has been liaising with a wide range of people to make sure it’s as inclusive as possible,” he said.
Events already on the calendar include a Beer Can Regatta, Wellington High School reunion, special Bicentenary Bash and an elegant dinner on the Duke of Wellington Bridge.
“The beer can regatta is set to be held at Lake Burrendong on Australia Day and should be a fun way to start the celebrations,” Mr Kniepp said.
“Meanwhile the Bicentenary Bash, which will be held one year from today, will be the major celebration and is set to include a re-enactment of John Oxley crossing into the Wellington Valley, trades fair showcasing old trades, depiction of the town’s multicultural heritage and much more.
“The committee is also seeking interest from local families who either live in Wellington today or have lived in the area in the past to buy and plant a tree which will then become a bicentenary avenue.”
Friday’s launch included the unveiling of a bicentenary logo after a competition was run earlier this year.
Mr Kneipp said a number of fantastic entries were received, and the winning logo was contributed by Alexandra Wright.
“Ms Wright’s logo is not only bright and colourful, but it is a modern depiction of the mountains and rivers for what Wellington is well known.”
School students also took part in a logo competition and Liam Miller received a prize for his design.
“Whether you’re 90 or nine years old it’s a great time to have a party for 12 months and reflect positively on the things of Wellington,” Mr Kneipp said.
“I think the other thing is in the next decade or so I can see the prosperity of Wellington only increasing because it’s a lovely place, it’s a wonderful setting, with a lot of talented people and it’s been through some tough times but I think that Wellington has a fantastic future.”
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
